Try one of these crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers to tide your guests over before the main meal, or share at a winter potluck!
Baked Brie with Jam
8 oz. wheel of brie + 5 Tbsp. of your favorite jam + crusty bread
Top brie with a layer of jam, bake for 10 minutes at 350° F, and serve warm with bread. Optional bonus ingredient: Add a sprinkling of slivered almonds for more texture!
Vegan Black Bean Dip
15 oz. can black beans + 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa + 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
Add drained and rinsed black beans to a food processor or high-speed blender and process on high to form a thick purée. Add salsa and smoked paprika, then continue processing until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips, carrot or celery sticks, or bell pepper strips.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
8 oz. cream cheese + 10 fresh jalapeños + 1 pkg. bacon
Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and core out the centers and seeds with a spoon. (Leave some seeds in the jalapeños if you enjoy the spice). Stuff each half with your desired amount of cream cheese. Cut bacon strips in half and cook in a skillet until cooked through but not crisped, leaving bacon soft and pliable enough to wrap. Wrap each jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, then bake the jalapeño poppers for 15 minutes at 375° F.